General
Sabian is one of the most famous cymbal manufacturers in the world. The company was founded in 1981 by Robert Zildjian, when his older brother became the head of the Zildjian company. Armed with a lifetime of knowledge and experience, he started over and created a company named after his three children, Sally, Bill and Andy (SaBiAn). Over time, Sabian grew into the respected company it is today, and now belongs to what has been dubbed 'the big four', along with Zildjian, Paiste and Meinl.
Sabian AAX series
Today, Sabian is known for their innovative cymbals, and the AAX line is what started it all. Like the AA-series, it consists of machine-made B20 bronze cymbals. The AAX series, however, receives very different hammering and lathing treatments, which results in a very different sound. It also has the exclusive Auto-Focus Response feature. Where other cymbals have a 'response threshold', meaning they sound best once they reach a certain volume, AAX cymbals respond with total accuracy at all dynamic levels, from low to high volumes.
Sabian AAX 21-inch Memphis Ride
The 21-inch AAX Memphis Ride is a pretty special cymbal. First of all, it has a pretty striking look - its dark and raw surface is contrasted by the widely spaced lathing. And it sounds as cool as it looks. Its sound is dry and controlled, with hints of the AAX brightness shining through, and its very crashable. While the bell will cut through just fine in most situations, this cymbal is definitely not too loud and can be a great addition to your cymbal line-up, whether you play jazz, funk, pop or something else entirely.
